Context:
The Prime Minister inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvana Mahotsav on the auspicious occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
More on news
- The Government of India issued a commemorative stamp and a coin to mark the 2550th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir.
Mahavir Jayanti
- It is also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, and is the auspicious celebration of the day when Trishla Mata gave birth to Lord Mahavir.
- We celebrate it on the Trayodashi Tithi (thirteenth day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the Indian month Chaitra.
About Lord Mahavira
- Lord Mahavira (meaning the Great Hero) was born in 599 BCE in Kundagram near Vaishali (located in the northern Indian state of Bihar).
- He was the 24th and the last ‘Thirthankara’(Teacher) of Jainism.
- He is renowned as Lord Mahavira for his exceptional control over his senses. Seeking truth and spiritual freedom, he went on to attain Nirvana at the age of 72 years.
About Jainism
- Jainism is an Indian religion emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa) towards all living beings. It advocates a path to spiritual liberation (moksha) through self-discipline, ethical conduct, and non-injury.
Jain philosophy
Jain philosophy can be described in various ways, but the most acceptable tradition is to describe it in terms of the seven tattvas (fundamental principles).
- Jiva (Soul): The living, conscious entity.
- Ajiva (Non-living substance): Everything besides the soul.
- Asrava (Influx of Karma): The inflow of karmic particles due to actions.
- Bandha (Bondage of Karma): Attachment of karmic particles to the soul.
- Samvara (Stoppage of Influx): Stopping the inflow of new karma.
- Nirjara (Gradual Removal of Karma): Shedding accumulated karma.
- Moksha (Liberation): Ultimate liberation from karma, achieving complete freedom.
Sects of Jainism
- Jains are divided into two major sects
Digambara
- They believe rejected clothing as part of their renunciation of all worldly attachments. They are thus ‘clothed’ – ambara – in ‘the directions’ or ‘the sky’ – dik or dig. The sect is therefore known as Digambara, from the Sanskrit phrase meaning ‘sky-clad’. Only full (male) monks – munis – go naked, as it is recognized as a test of complete detachment.
- Considered a more austere sect, with a smaller following compared to Svetambara.
Svetambara
- “White-clad” is a Sanskrit term used to describe the practice of wearing white robes by both male and female mendicants.
- The larger of the two major sects, with a wider global presence.
